PLASTIC carrier bag use has been slashed by more than 90 per cent in some stores after the introduction of a 5p charge.

The mandatory levy for single-use carrier bags was brought in by the Scottish Government in a bid to tackle litter.

Supermarkets have reported a dramatic reduction in the use of the bags since the charge came into effect on October 20.

An Asda spokeswoman said: "Since the introduction of the single-use carrier bag charge, we have seen over a 90 per cent reduction in the number of plastic bags distributed across our ­Scottish stores.

A spokesman for ­Morrisons added: "In the last month we've seen an 80 per cent reduction in the use of single-use carrier bags."

Duncan Brash, manager of the Tesco superstore in Leith, Edinburgh, also said: "The majority of customers come into store well prepared, bringing their own bags."

WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: "This is great news for Scotland's environment and wildlife, and proof that incentives like these can have a really positive impact for our planet. One only needs to stand in line at any shop these days to see that most people are opting not to pay for a bag because they've brought their own, meaning fewer bags ending up in landfill, polluting our oceans, or threatening wildlife.

"We hope it won't be long before we rival nations like Denmark where, after a charge was introduced in 2003, each person now uses only four plastic bags per year on average - the lowest plastic bag use in Europe."